Baine, a Charlotte native, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in public relations from App State. Baine’s path to graduation has been anything but conventional, and resilience has been the cornerstone of both her academic and personal journeys.

A transfer student from UNC Charlotte, Baine balanced her studies with her role as a sergeant in the North Carolina Army National Guard. Just one year after transferring to App State, Baine was deployed to Poland, requiring her to put her education on hold. Despite the disruption, she remained determined to stay on track, enrolling in online courses during her deployment and returning to Boone ready to complete her degree.

“Resilience is the word that defines my experience,” Baine said. “I no longer take my education or opportunities for granted.”

Baine’s time at App State has been marked by her commitment to community and professional growth. She completed three internships, including one with the Hunger and Health Coalition in Boone, where she worked on communication initiatives and even painted a mural for the nonprofit. Her other internships included roles with the Special Competitive Studies Project and Equitable Advisors, where she honed her skills in design and communications.

Her academic achievements include completing a senior honors thesis on artificial intelligence in public relations, guided by associate professor Dr. Jiangxue “Ashley” Han, whom Baine credits as a significant influence on her academic journey. She also found mentorship in App State lecturer Jack Jeffrey, who inspired her confidence and professional development.

Beyond academics, Baine embraced the App State Community, joining Sigma Kappa sorority and participating in outdoor activities such as snowboarding and hiking. She also served as president of App State’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter. “The sense of community here is unmatched,” she said. “I’ll always be proud to be a Mountaineer.”

As Baine prepares to transition out of the Army National Guard and pursue a career in public relations, she reflects on her experiences as a soldier and a student. “The Army taught me patience, resilience and teamwork,” she said. “Those lessons have shaped who I am today.”

With plans to move to New York, Baine is ready to take on her next challenge, carrying the Mountaineer spirit with her wherever she goes.

Bui, of Hickory, graduated from App State’s Beaver College of Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in communication sciences and disorders.

As a first-generation student, Bui said she didn’t know much about higher education when first considering college, so she enrolled in Catawba Valley Community College to complete some general education coursework. When she was ready to transfer to a university, she took a tour of App State, which quickly sparked her interest in speech-language pathology.

“I knew I wanted to be in some type of health profession, but when I learned about App State’s speech-language pathology program and got to talk to others in the field, everything kind of just clicked,” she said.

Bui shared that her personal experiences deepened her connection to the field: Her parents don’t speak English, and her older sister was diagnosed with autism at the age of 20.

“My sister is definitely the main reason why I’m here,” said Bui. “She struggled a lot with communication and had all of the signs of autism at a young age, but we never had any providers who could translate in my parents’ native language. Twenty is pretty late for an autistic diagnosis, but since then, we’ve already been able to lift a lot of these barriers.”

Bui said going to college close to home was a priority so that she could continue to care for her sister and have the ability to translate for her during medical appointments.

“I’ve learned that multicultural awareness in health care is so important, and I hope I can continue to make a positive impact in that way after I graduate,” she said.

In addition to caring for her sister and balancing her academic schedule, Bui managed to maintain a full-time job while at App State, and she also became a certified nursing assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think working as a full-time student is one of the best things a young adult can do,” said Bui. “You’re earning something for yourself and you’re learning how to be independent. I think it really prepared me for what life will be like outside of school.”

Bui added that her parents have always been supportive during her educational journey, and that she hopes she makes them proud as a first-generation college graduate.

“I’m here to live my parents’ dream, too,” she said. “They supported me in an opportunity that they didn’t get, and I’m so appreciative of all that they’ve done for me.”

Payne, of Dallas, North Carolina, graduated from App State’s College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in history/social studies education.

His inspiration to attend App State and to become an educator was his grandmother, Charmaine Crisp, who graduated from the university with a degree in early childhood education in 1974.

“My grandmother is an awesome woman,” said Payne. “She had such a desire to become an educator and she loved being in schools, and she still talks about her experiences in Boone. To graduate within App State’s 125th anniversary, and to also graduate within the 50-year anniversary of my grandmother — I just feel so proud to be a part of this Appalachian legacy.”

Payne said his grandmother, who lives next door to his family in Dallas, was a daily presence throughout his childhood. Now in college, he makes it a point to visit her whenever he returns home.

“I’m so thankful for everything she’s done for me and for all of the sacrifices she made,” said Payne. “She always told me to take a chance and to believe in myself, and she believes so strongly in me that I know I always have at least three people believing in me — because I have myself, and she believed in me twice as much as I did.”

Payne recently took the first big leap in following in his grandmother’s footsteps as an educator with his fall internship at Ronald Wilson Reagan High School in Winston-Salem.

“It was the best experience in my life, and probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said. “That first day in the classroom was tough, but I learned so much and I didn’t have any regrets. I have such a strong passion for teaching, and this only further solidified that I want to be an educator. This is what I see myself doing until I retire.”

During his time at App State, Payne was also a member of the Appalachian Educators club, as well as a spring 2024 Education Peer Ambassador.

At his commencement ceremony, he was able to walk with his childhood best friend, Zach McGinnis ’24, of Dallas, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

“Me and my mom were going through old pictures of us at our kindergarten graduation, then our middle school graduation, and now we’re getting pictures at our college graduation,” said Payne. “Between my best friend and my grandmother, this graduation is really special.”

Scapin, of Clyde, graduated with a Doctor of Education in educational leadership with a concentration in instructional technology leadership from App State’s Reich College of Education.

Scapin’s career began in public safety — he spent 18 years in law enforcement before transitioning into education. Inspired by his wife, a special education teacher, and motivated by a desire for a healthier work-life balance, Scapin pursued a master’s degree in media, technology and learning design at App State. His positive experiences in the program, coupled with mentorship from Dr. Patrick O’Shea, professor in the Department of Media, Career Studies and Leadership Development, encouraged him to continue into the doctoral program.

“I had such a good experience in the master’s program that when the instructional technology leadership concentration became available, I knew I wanted to pursue it,” Scapin said. “It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey, and I feel well equipped to help prepare future educators.”

Scapin’s doctoral research focused on leveraging technology in community college classrooms to enhance equitable teaching practices and address the diverse needs of students. His work reflects his passion for education and his commitment to innovation in teaching.

During his time at App State, Scapin found inspiration and support from several faculty members, including assistant professor Dr. Ashley Carpenter and professors Dr. Alecia Jackson, Dr. Krista Wojdak and Dr. Amy Washburn, interim chair of the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies and director of digital teaching and learning in Reich College.

“Each professor added a different layer to my understanding of education,” he said. “Their support and expertise helped shape my career and broaden my perspective.”

One of Scapin’s favorite memories from App State is the strong sense of community he built with his cohort. Despite being geographically scattered, they stayed connected through a Google chat, sharing information, asking questions and offering encouragement. “Even though we were apart, we built a strong sense of community. I already miss that connection,” Scapin said.

Currently working as an instructional designer and educational technologist at Haywood Community College, Scapin credits his time at App State for preparing him to be an effective educator. “App State provided me with an education that I know can’t be taken away,” he said. “It’s great to be a Mountaineer because you leave with not just knowledge, but the confidence to make a difference in education.”

Scapin encourages others to embrace challenges and pursue their passions. “Whether you’re just starting out or considering going back to school, take it one step at a time,” he advised. “Find a support system, stay engaged and know that you can do it. The journey is worth it.”

Siverly, from Hendersonville, earned a Bachelor of Arts in music education-instrumental music education (K–12) from the Hayes School of Music. In addition to her major, she minored in Japanese and teaching English as a second language/applied linguistics.

A dedicated musician, Siverly has been playing the trumpet for over 15 years. Her love of music began in the fourth grade and ultimately inspired her to attend App State. A connection with Dr. James Stokes, a fellow Hendersonville High alum and App State trumpet professor, solidified her decision to study in Boone. Siverly credits her professors for shaping her as both a musician and a global thinker.

While at App State, Siverly participated in numerous ensembles, including jazz band, marching band, orchestra, symphonic and concert bands, brass quintets and trumpet choirs. “Each ensemble gave me a unique way to connect with my peers and express myself creatively,” she said. Her favorite experiences came from performing in brass quintets, where she explored her individual interpretation of music while building close relationships with fellow musicians.

Her journey extended well beyond Boone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Siverly explored her interest in Japanese, which led her to study abroad at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. For two months, she lived with a host family, immersed herself in Japanese culture and improved her language skills. The experience broadened her worldview and deepened her appreciation for cultural diversity.

“I encourage others to step outside their comfort zone and explore the world,” she said.

Currently, Siverly is a student teacher at Rugby Middle School in Hendersonville, where she has discovered a passion for education. Teaching has shown her the significance of small moments, like when a quiet student thanked her for remembering her name.

Inspired by the advice of her cooperating teacher, Sean Smith, director of bands at Rugby Middle — who told Siverly, “You’re the expert in the room” — Siverly has gained confidence in her ability to connect with students through music. An advocate for arts education, she sees the arts as vital for young students’ self-expression and development.

Siverly reflected on the resilience and sense of community she has witnessed during her time at App State — particularly in the wake of Hurricane Helene. “Being a Mountaineer means staying strong and supporting one another, even in difficult times,” she said.

Zimmerman, of Hickory, graduated from App State’s Walker College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in both general management and sales.

He is a first-generation college student who takes pride in a strong work ethic, demonstrated by his ability to excel in the classroom while working over 30 hours a week to support his education. Zimmerman even made time to balance further educational experiences such as internships, sales competitions and studying abroad.

“Being a first-generation college student, to me, is not just about walking across a stage and getting a degree — it’s about my growth,” said Zimmerman. “It’s also a testament to my parents and the success they’ve had at raising me throughout every stage of my life.”

Zimmerman’s dedication to hard work paid off in a big way during his internship with E. & J. Gallo Winery last summer, as the company offered him a full-time sales position at its location in Charleston, South Carolina. He has accepted the offer and will begin working for the company soon after he graduates.

“I received the offer just three days after the internship,” said Zimmerman. “It’s an absolute blessing to go through your last semester of school knowing that you have a job locked up. I know I’m able to start my path to success much sooner than others might be able to, and I’m very thankful for that.”

Before Zimmerman starts his job, he plans to take some time to further explore Europe, where he was able to visit 13 countries while studying abroad at the University of Roehampton in London.

“Studying abroad was one of the most impressive experiences I’ve ever had in my life,” he said. “It single-handedly changed not only my perception of the world, but it gave me a chance to look inward on myself — where I have some strengths and where I have some weaknesses — and it helped me build upon who I am as a person.”

Zimmerman’s other accomplishments at App State include a top 10 finish among 80 students in the National Shore Sales Challenge at Salisbury University in the spring, and he competed in the International Collegiate Sales Competition at Florida State University this fall.

“App State has allowed me to use the resources and experiences I’ve been given to visualize what I can be in the future,” said Zimmerman. “You can have great success when you’re placed in the hands of good people.”

Dr. William Brewer joined the Department of English in 1987 and served as director of App State’s English graduate program from 2005 to 2008. In 2003, he received the College of Arts and Sciences’ Donald W. Sink Outstanding Scholar Award. Brewer is the author of four scholarly monographs, the latest of which, “Representing and Interrogating Dueling, Caning, and Fencing during the Romantic Period,” will be published by Liverpool University Press in 2025.

Dr. Kyle Thompson began her career at App State in 2010, as dietetic internship director in the Beaver College of Health Sciences. Since that time, she has helped build and expand the university’s nutrition graduate programs and certificates, serving as the public health nutrition graduate program director from 2018 to 2024. Thompson is the author of many academic publications and has served as associate editor/editor of two public health nutrition textbooks. She received the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ Service Award in 2013 and Teaching Award in 2020. Thompson will be retiring from the Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management at the end of the fall 2024 semester.

Professor Emeritus Dr. Diane “Daisy” Waryold, a first-generation college student, retired in June 2024 after 21 years of service in the Department of Counseling, Family Therapy and Higher Education. Before joining the App State faculty, she had a 25-year career as an accomplished student affairs administrator and consultant to colleges and universities across the country. Waryold is a founding and charter member and past president of the Association for Student Judicial Affairs (now the Association for Student Conduct Administration) and was awarded ASCA’s Donald D. Gehring Award and Lifetime Membership Award. Her other awards and honors include App State’s Faculty Women of Influence Award, the Melvene Draheim Hardee Award and induction into the Gravel/Gavel Society from the Southern Association for College Student Affairs, and the Distinguished Scholar Award from the NC College Personnel Association.